1. formal parties where people wear masks and costumes to disguise their identities
2. false appearances or pretenses intended to deceive

1. pretends to be someone or something else in order to deceive

Examples

• The wealthy family hosted elaborate masquerades every winter.
• She attended the masquerade wearing a beautiful feathered mask.
• His kindness was just a masquerade to hide his true intentions.
• The spy masquerades as a businessman to gather information.
• The criminal masquerades as a police officer to gain trust.
• These charity events are really masquerades for political fundraising.
• The old mansion was famous for its annual masquerades.